The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the evolution of the Hubble Space Telescope. It is set to be one of the most powerful telescopes in the world. The JWST is a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The telescope was launched into space on December 25th 2021.
The JWST is a infrared telescope; what this means is that it is optimised to detect light at longer wavelengths than visible light. Infrared light can provide a unique look into the universe. It can penetrate through dust and gas, which is opaque to visible light. This allows the JWST to study objects that are otherwise invisible to traditional telescopes.
The Main Goals Of The James Webb Space Telescope
One of the main goals of the JWST is to study the early universe. Researching the formation of galaxies, stars and planets. This telescope impressively will be able to study the light from the first galaxies! The ones that formed after the Big Bang! It will also be able to study the formation of stars and planets in greater detail; by observing the light emitted by young stars and protoplanetary disks.
Another goal of the JWST is to study the atmospheres of exoplanets, which are planets that orbit stars other than the sun. The telescope will be able to study the light that passes through the atmospheres of these planets. Therefore allowing scientists to determine the composition of the atmospheres and search for signs of life.
The Telescope’s features
The JWST has a number of unique features that make it one of the most powerful telescopes in the world. The primary mirror of the telescope is made up of 18 hexagonal segments. These are made of beryllium, a lightweight material that has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. This means the mirror maintain their shape even at very low temperatures, which is crucial for observing in the infrared. The JWST also has a sun-shield, which is made up of five layers of a special material called Kapton. The sun-shield protects the telescope from the heat of the Sun. This allows the telescope to operate at very low temperatures.
In conclusion, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. The project is a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It is set to be one of the most powerful telescopes in the world! The JWST uses an infrared telescope that is optimised to detect light at longer wavelengths than visible light.
The main goal of the JWST is to study the early universe; by viewing the formation of galaxies, stars and planets. It is also aiming to study the light that passes through the atmospheres of exoplanets. This allows scientists to determine the composition of the atmospheres and search for signs of life. The JWST has a number of unique features such as a primary mirror made of 18 hexagonal segments made of beryllium. Also it has a sun-shield that protects the telescope from the heat of the sun, meaning the telescope can operate at very low temperatures.
To grab your own high quality print of some of the incredible images taken by these telescopes click here!
